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Former Middle Tennessee teacher Tad Cummins has been arrested in northern California and Elizabeth Thomas, the 15-year-old girl authorities say he kidnapped, is safe, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

Just before noon, the TBI tweeted Cummins had been arrested and that more details would come soon. A press conference is set for 3 p.m. in Nashville.

The duo has been sought since March, when an Amber Alert was issued. Cummins was Elizabeth's 50-year-old high-school teacher at Culleoka Unit School in Maury County, Tenn.

Siskiyou County Sheriff's Offices spokeswoman Kelly Giordano said earlier Thursday that Cummins' vehicle was found in their jurisdiction Wednesday night.

She would not say specifically where but confirmed her agency was "currently working an active incident regarding the kidnapping."

Siskiyou County is a remote area near the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, about 120 miles south of the California-Oregon state line.

Authorities issued an Amber Alert for Elizabeth of Columbia, Tenn. after her parents reported her missing March 13.

Rep. Sheila Butt, a Republican state lawmaker who represents Columbia, said Thursday was a great day for her community.

“When something like this happens, a community gets together and feels like this is one of our children,” Butt said.

“This just feels like our prayers have been answered, and the lost sheep is home.”

MEDIA: We are planning for an afternoon news conference. Details will be announced as soon as possible. pic.twitter.com/Tw7IKNWZ38

She said she’s proud of her community, and is confident local officials will find a way to learn from this entire ordeal.

“I have known Tad Cummins over the years, and I think I could honestly tell you that I’m not surprised that she’s safe. I will let the courts deal with the ramifications of what happened here,” Butt said.

Cummins was wanted by authorities on charges including aggravated kidnapping.

A warrant was issued for Cummins' arrest after TBI suggested he "may have been abusing his role as a teacher to groom this vulnerable young girl for some time in an effort to lure and potentially sexually exploit her."

CLOSE

During a press conference, TBI pleads with viewers to help find 15-year-old Elizabeth Thomas and stress the severity of the crime.

Reach Natalie Neysa Alund at 615-259-8072 and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.